THIS DAY IN OUR PAST

The following events took place on April 27 in the years identified:

1970: The wholesale price of Jamaican bananas in the United Kingdom this week increased by $6 a ton, from $150 to $156, according to information released by the Banana Board. This is the highest price paid for local fruit in the UK since 1970. Banana industry circles attribute the increase to a change of weather conditions in the UK. It is explained that after the winter season ends, banana consumption usually rises. It is further pointed out that some non-Commonwealth banana sources are asking a higher price for their fruit than reckoned earlier in 1970, making it cheaper for UK-based dealers to obtain fruit from Commonwealth suppliers even at present prices, than from other sources. 1970: The Jamaica Omnibus Services Limited, operators of the city’s main transport system, declares no dividend in respect of 1969 because of marked deterioration in the company’s financial position, the directors of the company announce in Kingston. In making the announcement at the 17th annual general meeting of the company, the chairman of the board of directors, A. F. Carling, says that for the first time in the company’s history they are unable to recommend the payment of any dividend. 1982: The Jamaica Labour Party in a release expresses its “profound sorrow and deep regret over the passing of Ernest Peart, a longstanding member of the People’s National Party, at the age of 63”. The release says Peart was “one of the stalwarts of the political scene for many years and was noted particularly for his pragmatic approach to politics, which gained admiration even from his opponents”. The release says that when the present Government took office Peart, although not a career diplomat, was allowed to continue for a year in both diplomatic posts he held, that of Jamaica’s high commissioner to the United Kingdom and non-resident ambassador to Denmark. The release, signed by the chairman of the party, Ronald Irvine, says “The Jamaica Labour Party extends its deep condolences to his family and sympathy to the People’s National Party over the loss of one of its outstanding members.”